New Leica M cameras

[Orio]

Leica released a new camera called "M" (originality was abundant that day obviously)
Main features:
- 24 MP CMOS sensor
- Liveview
- Video recording
- Compatibility with both M and R lenses

They also released a scaled down version called "M-E" which has a 18 MP CCD sensor and does photo only (no video)

The "M" is obviously a tentative to bring the M cameras into the 21th century (losing the rangefinder in favour of liveview focusing)
The "M-E" appears in fact nothing else but a M9 with liveview instead of rangefinder and with added R lens compatibility (which is however possible
also on all other older M cameras, albeit of course more awkwardly due to the lack of liveview).

Info: http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/blog/

[rbelyell]

as you know orio, i have often taken issue with the leica 'value' proposition. however, this 'new' M is truly groundbreaking as it is the first and perhaps forever only full frame, real digital rangefinder that can also properly utilize just about any slr lens ever made. this is truly groundbreaking, totally unique, and imo leica can charge whatever the hell they want for it! this is truly the first leica product i really covet.
tony

[Orio]

[iangreenhalgh1]

M-E sounds good to me, 18mp is enough and I don't want video.

Doubt it will be priced at anything like a level I can afford though.

And I'd just use it with my M39 Russian lenses anyways so Leicists would hate me.

[iangreenhalgh1]

[Orio]

[iangreenhalgh1]

I don't care what they called it, matters not one jot to me, how much are they charging for it?

[Orio]

[Himself]

Now watch the R mount lenses going up.

[edz]

Of course they are both rangefinders. It would be mad of Leica to drop their USP

The M adds liveview, optional evf, video and weather-sealing. The M-E looks like its a renamed M9
(couldn't find a mention of liveview added).

Steve Huff has some opinions here:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2012/09/17/the-new-leica-m-and-m-e-is-here-leica-made-some-smart-moves/

and here's a promotional youtube video for the Leica M:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_4xHIqU4t8

[Rolf]

[sichko]

The Leica site - http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m_new/

The sensor - http://cmosis.com/news/press_releases/new_leica_m_uses_cmosis_24_mp_cmos_image_sensor

[rbelyell]

the ME is nothing but an M9 in grey, an attempt to keep that camera relevent and stabilize its resale value. but the new M is an insane piece of engineering. take a good look, you won't see another camera like this ever. this is the kind of out of the box thinking leica always claimed, but imo seldom delivered. and it is the kind of product loads of folks expected from hasselblad, instead of that POS frilly nex7.

maybe it will lead to increase in R mount lenses, but those lenses can already be used on other high IQ cameras. this is the ideal camera for those among us who already are invested in both RF and slr (R mount and virtually any other mount) legacy glass, not really someone just embarking on slr. and for those of us who want to spend about $7000 on a camera! but unlike other of their offerings, imo, the uniqueness and engineering required for this camera entitles them to charge whatever they want. it is the worlds first truly 'universal' camera.
tony

[Orio]

It looks indeed like a terrific camera and one that probably can make history!

However -and I'd like to make clear, I'm not saying this because of the Fox and the Grapes- it does add nothing to the reason why I like and use my M9.
If I had to shoot a video, I would use my Canon cameras anyway -because they're reflex, because they are more balanced on tripod, because they can use a lot of reflex lenses that I have.
Liveview, yes it's nice to have - on a reflex camera. Because you can make macro well, because you can shoot portraits and studio shots in focus, etc.
I would not use a M camera for macro and for portraits anyway. OK, you have the electronic viewfinder. Still, based on my experience, you (or, at least, I) want to have
the almost tactile experience of the reflex vision when shooting something where focus is so decisive, like portraits or macro. It's a matter of feeling with the subject, of intimacy,
that I receive from the reflex and I can't get from EV. Electronic viewfinder "can work", but it's not the same spontaneity, at least in my book.

So, in the end, why I like to have and use my M9? Because it's a rangefinder camera of terrific quality. That's it. No more than that.
The other features are excellent if you want to buy only one camera that acts as both rangefinder and quasi-reflex depending on the occasions. That is not my case.
And as a rangefinder only, for street use, the added bulk and electronics are something that I don't need.
And neither I need the AA filter in front of the CMOS sensor - I'm doing so well with the filter-less CCD of M9, now that I calibrated my profiles.
The only thing that I would like and I don't have with the M9, is a better high ISO. Useful in some situation, although not vital (as it appears from my three years use of the camera).
Surely not enough reason for the new M - as far as I am concerned.

I leave for last the most stupid remark I like to be on the streets with a rangefinder. I mean a true one, a pure one. Technologically advanced inside,
but bare bones outside when it comes to use. It feels good. It makes the camera an almost natural extension of my body, not some electronic weapon that I have to handle and navigate.
I think many people would be surprised by the way I use my M9. I use it very primitively compared to how I use my reflex cameras.
I don't watch previews, I rarely look at the histogram. I leave the LCD covered all the time, except at the beginning of a session or when lighting changes significantly.
Plus, I feel a connection with the history of photography. I don't get the same sensation from an EV or liveview. I respect them, but I don't feel "that thing" with them.
Probably because I was raised with film cameras. I'm sure this issue is laughable for younger guys who started on digital.

[rbelyell]

orio, does the new M have an AA filter? are you sure?
tony

[Orio]

[ForenSeil]

Wow, looks damn compact, not only for a FF
On the pics it looks like it has both, EVF and rangefinder!
http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m_new/

[Orio]

[Nikos]

Seems we will now see a FF NEX with interchangeable lenses soon.
So, even if we cannot afford this Leica M, it is a welcome appearance.

Has anyone found any full-resolution samples online?

[Hari]

There were 5 complaints i had with the m9 ->

1. high ISO performance. but if you have a f1 or f1.4 lens, this isnt such a big deal really
2. backlit dials cuz i want to see what i'm fumbling with at night
3. weather proofing
4. ergonomics. it was simply too slick to use and hold without a strap around your neck and the thumbs-up add on
5. piss poor display for such an expensive camera

The M solves 4 of these - high ISO, weather sealing, better ergonomics and a better display

I will buy one. It's exactly what i wanted. A mostly RF camera that still lets me do macros and tele. Brilliant!

I am with Orio when he says the m9 is a primal connection between the user physically, the vision he has, the tool he chooses, the subject he wants to capture and the method he chooses to make that capture. My M9 will never be sold.

Now i have a 1 body solution for all my needs. Thankfully, due to laziness, the new canon body i wanted to order wasn't ordered. The barely used nex7 + lenses which is lying around can be sold. The 350D can be sold. All my C/Y lenses are back in the game and i dont need to spend a lot of money on wide angles and tele lenses for canon EF mount.

I simply stick the C/Y lens on the M body and voila!

Wait, i already did that awhile ago

http://forum.mflenses.com/c-y-distagon-28-28-and-c-y-planar-50-14---on-the-leica-m9-t42901.html

[maxcastle]

Am i correct in saying this leica allows other lenses as a part of its design? I was told that the point of a leica camera was a leica lens?

[Hari]

[maxcastle]

[Hari]

[maxcastle]